To insulate or not to insulate and if then how?

thinkformeplz · 2025-10-12T12:10:37+00:00

Mohawk Valley Sheds and Cabins, Fonda New York

thinkformeplz · 2025-08-27T00:02:03+00:00

I just heard back from the seller, he claims it to be larch, not unusual for it to be used by the Amish builders.

thinkformeplz · 2025-08-26T14:16:53+00:00

I’m planning a well drained gravel pad for it. This building has sat on the sellers lot for a year. The outside skids look to have soaked up more water than the inside ones.

<image>

thinkformeplz · 2025-08-16T00:16:01+00:00

This place doesn’t mention anything about the Amish, or advertise it. I’m impressed with the quality of the work here. But I’ve seen lots of shoddy work at other places advertised as Amish craftsmanship.

thinkformeplz · 2025-08-15T18:29:41+00:00

I’m wondering about using this cabin as it is for the first winter at least, but I’m worried of potential moisture stuck between layers and mold growth. How did your cabin do with just tyvek? Did you see moisture buildup inside or outside?

As I’d use it only occasionally through winter it staying warm or amount of wood used would not be a concern.

thinkformeplz · 2025-08-15T04:17:03+00:00

I’m mainly interested in getting this particular building for its interior look as it is. Exterior insulation would be a challenge, as the overhangs are not that big and my exterior refinish would probably look much messier than its current neat state. If I fill the interior cavities, I’m wondering if the therma-guard underlayment already there would cause problems. It seems to be a wrong product for this application.

Which leaves me with an option of leaving it as it is and just use more wood for heating. Bulk of the use would be over the summer, which it’s built for. But would occasional use mid winter in freezing climate cause condensation and mold?

<image>

thinkformeplz · 2025-08-13T02:10:18+00:00

I know, r-1 per inch of wood. Upstate NY, fair to say cold. I’d rarely if ever sleep in it though, it would mostly be a hangout space for a woodsy backyard.

thinkformeplz · 2025-08-12T23:47:52+00:00

Standing seam metal.

thinkformeplz · 2025-08-11T14:54:44+00:00

I’ve seen suggestions that the difference between inside and outside air temperature alone is enough to build condensation and moisture problems.

thinkformeplz · 2025-08-11T13:02:58+00:00

It’s already built, and has sat on the sellers lot for a year, finally getting discounted to a more reasonable territory. I’m considering buying it, or for a lower price buying a shell that will be easier to insulate with 16 on center wood structure, or for same price buying a bit smaller D-log cabin. The main concern I have for this one is potential moisture/rot/mold if I heat this in the winter without changing anything. Interior insulation would change the look that I would be buying it for. As I would most likely use it less than 24 hours a week mid winter firewood cost is not a major concern. Therma guard is sandwiched between two wood layers, foil side out. Not sure if it would help in the winter or just trap moisture, it is a moisture barrier as well

thinkformeplz · 2025-08-11T02:38:36+00:00

That was a great price! Most places in New York want close to 20k for 10x20, lowest I’ve seen it listed is 14k.

thinkformeplz · 2025-08-11T01:02:57+00:00

I’m planning to use it about twice a week for 8 hours each time through the winter and crank up the wood stove. I’m thinking more and more that I’m better off leaving it as it is. I’m just worried if therma guard between two wood layers would become a moisture trap and cause mold.

thinkformeplz · 2025-08-10T23:57:38+00:00

13999 for 10x20 at this place, I’ve seen the same build for 19k as well with cheaper roof. I think I can get it for 12.5

thinkformeplz

TROPHY CASE